£4- 



! LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, § 

Shelf ._CL_<£E 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



/ 



SERMON, 

PREACHED IN BOSTON, 



BEFORE THE 



AMERICAN SOCIETY 



FOR EDUCATING 



PIOUS YOUTH FOR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY, 



AT THEIR 



SECOND ANNIVERSARY, 

OCT. 15, 1817. 



b y Joseph Whickering, 

Pastor of the Congregational Church in Woburn, 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY. 



DEDHAM : 

ABEL D. ALLEYNE, PRINTER, 

1817 



ft 



13V"4-02£ 

C 4 



SERMON. 



EPHESIANS I. 10. 

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gathe 
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven 
and which are on earth ; even in Him. 

A he human mind delights in order. Any 
scheme, well arranged in all its parts and regularly 
executed, is contemplated with pleasure. The more 
extensive the scheme, the greater the difficulties which 
oppose its progress, and the more various the charac- 
ters and events which are brought to bear upon it, 
the greater is our admiration, when all is happily ac- 
complished. This pleasure and admiration are felt, 
to a certain extent, without regard to the moral nature 
of the object pursued ; but how greatly are they in- 
creased, when the object is so great as to fill the mind, 
and so excellent, as to gratify the best feelings of 
the soul ! There is no view, in which God appears 
more glorious, than as gathering together in one all 
things in Christ. The human race had apostatized. 
So great was their wickedness, that it repented God 



4 

that He had made man on the earth. The Son of 
God came to save us. He came to His own ; but 
His own received him not. He was despised and re- 
jected of men. He was taken, and by wicked hands 
crucified and slain. The Lord of angels and of men 
hung between two malefactors on the cross. That 
countenance, which, on the mount of transfiguration, 
shone as the sun, is now changed to the blackness of 
death ! The heavens are astonished, and veil their 
glories! The earth quakes ! The powers of darkness 
triumph ! But never, never was the plan of gathering 
together in one all: things in Christ making more sure 
and rapid progress, than at this moment. 

Could we look into this plan, and discover some 
of its bright features ; could we see the advances it 
is making ; could we, by the prophetic light of (rod's 
word, look forward, and rejoice in its further pro- 
gress ; could we be stimulated to cooperate with God 
in its accomplishment, — the design of this meeting 
would be happily answered. 

Our text expresses God's purpose, in revealing 
and publishing to the world the mystery of redemp- 
tion through the blood of Christ. < 6 That in the dis- 
pensation of the fulness of times, He might gather 
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in 
heaven, and which are on earth ; even in Him." 

What are we to understand by " the dispensa- 
tion of the fulness of times ?" A dispensation is an 
order of things, or economy, established by divine 
Providence. The church has, from the beginning, 
existed under various dispensations, or forms, accor- 
ding to God's appointment. In Eden it was under 
one dispensation, the patriarchs were under another 5 



Moses established one different from both the pre- 
ceding ; and we live under a dispensation distin- 
guished fro ui them all. " The fulness of times" is 
the time, when the Savior came in the flesh. "When 
the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his 
Son/ — : * The dispensation of the fulness of times" 
is, then, the order of things,which the Son of God in- 
troduced, when He appeared in the flesh, and over 
which He presides. Under this dispensation, God 
is gathering together in one ail things in Christ, both 
which are in heaven, and which are on earth. 

Let us next enquire into the nature of the union 
mentioned in my text. — The moral subjects of God's 
government are compared to a body, of which He is 
the head. The nobler faculties oi man are consider- 
ed as residing in the head, to which the several mem- 
bers are so united, that they spontaneously obey its 
dictates. Whilst the body is in health, this union 
and subjection secure its order and happiness. Sim- 
ilar union ought to subsist between God and His ra- 
tional creatures. Man was originally holy, de- 
voted to the Lord. But the effect of the apostacy has 
been like that of convulsions in the human body. The 
limbs, acting without law, without concert, in opposi- 
tion to the dictates of the head, have lacerated each 
other, and reduced the body to a state of wild disor- 
der and w wretchedness. Had it not been for the spar- 
ing mercy of God, in view of His glorious plan of 
reconciliation, death would have been the speedy con- 
sequence. Adored be the great Physician, who came 
to seek, and save that, which was lost, to reconcile 
us to God by Himself, and to bring all things into 



subjection to their Head, that all may be gathered to- 
gether in oue, in Him. 

All things are to be gathered together in one, 
"IN CHRIST." He is Head of all things. We 
can have no higher idea of God, than what we receive 
by the Redeemer. Do we rise, through the things 
that are made, to the knowledge of the Creator ; — 
by whom were the worlds made? Do all things sub- 
sist by a divine energy ; — in whom does that energy 
reside ? Does the word of inspiration teach us the 
knowledge of God ; — to whom belongs the name, 
WORD OF GOD ? All this is revealed of Him, in 
whom God is gathering together in one all things. 

God is gathering together in one in Christ those, 
whom He hath chosen in Him, before the foundation 
of the world, that they should be holy and without 
blame before Him in love ; having predestinated them 
to the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ, to Him- 
self, according to the good pleasure of His will. Or,in 
another view of the subject, God is gathering togeth- 
er in one in Christ all, who hear, believe, and obey the 
gospel. With them, old things are passed away. 
Behold, all things are become new. They are one in 
Christ ; — one in their views, one in their affections, 
one in their pursuits, and one in their happiness. 

One in their views. It has pleased God to reveal 
to us the leading object of His moral government. 
This object is to glorify Himself, in the virtue 
and happiness of His creatures. In effecting this 
object we are required to take a part ; but not a blind 
part. " He hath abounded towards us in all wisdom 
and prudence, having made known unto us the mys- 
tery of His will." That scheme, which prophets 



and righteous men desired to see, and in some glimp- 
*es of the glory of which they rejoiced ; that scheme, 
into which angels desire to look, and by which they 
learn the manifold wisdom of God, is revealed to us. 
We may enter into the views of God in creating man ; 
in sparing the human race, when they had sinned ; 
in sending His Son to be the propitiation for our 
sins ; in the various instituted means of grace, by 
which He is reconciling sinners to Himself, and 
building them up in holiness to a meetness for heav- 
enly felicity ; in requiring those, who have tasted 
the riches of divine grace, to preach and send the 
gospel to their perishing fellow sinners 5 in pouring 
out the Holy Spirit to give efficacy to human exer- 
tions, that the earth may be filled with the glory of 
God. Into these general views, and into the design 
and tendency of particular doctrines, institutions, and 
duties, by which the great object is to be promoted, 
the Christian may enter. He does enter. He heart- 
ily enters ; for 

He is one with Christ in affection. The views, at 
which we have glanced, are not iu the Christian 
merely speculative. They affect his heart. They 
fill and animate his soul. A world redeemed, re- 
deemed from every thing hateful and pernicious, 
formed to every thing virtuous and excellent, coming 
together as one body in Him, who is the chief among 
ten thousand, and altogether lovely, — what object 
can he imagine so glorious and captivating ? He feels, 
not only, the excellence of the ultimate object of 
Christianity ; but of its particular precepts, doctrines 
and institutions. The law is in his view holy, just 
and good. He esteems all God's precepts, concern- 



ing alt things, to be right. He knows, that the most 
laborious and selfdenying duties have an adequate 
object. He approves the impartiality of the divine 
law, which has subjected himself, in common with his 
fellow creatures, to the same rule of righteousness. 
What, though a sense of the spirituality of the law 
cuts off all hopes of salvation by its works ? He 
readily condemns himself. He adores the wisdom and 
goodness of God, even in those terrors, which arouse 
him to flee from the wrath to come. And, with what 
satisfaction does he read and hear of that salvation, 
which is of grace to all them who believe ! Those pe- 
culiar doctrines of the gospel, which once appeared to 
him unintelligible, useless, and absurd, now appear 
glorious, and adapted to what he feels to be his con- 
dition, as a sinner. Christ crucified is all his confi- 
dence, all his boast. Divine grace is now his whole 
dependence. Now he feels new motives to devote 
himself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to 
God. The excellence of His commandments, the 
incitement of gratitude and love, a consciousness of 
almighty aid and strength, — these urge him forward 
in the path of duty. Nor do these feelings evapor- 
ate in towering and general views. He descends, 
with sweet composure and satisfaction, to the private 
graces and virtues. He approves, he loves, he cher- 
ishes that pure, and benevolent, and devout spirit, 
which adorns social and domestic life, and is seen of 
God in secret. With the same views and feelings, 
which brought Christ from heaven to earth, for the 
salvation of men, he desires the building up of His 
kingdom ; yet he stretches not himself beyond his 
measure. He rejoices to behold persons of greater 



9 

talents than himself employed in more honorable ser- 
vices than he can perform. He rejoices, that the sil- 
ver and the gold are the Lord's, that the hearts of 
kings and of the wise are in His hands, that the na- 
tions will be willing in the day of His power ; and 
he prays in faith, " thy kingdom come, thy will be 
done, in earth as it is in heaven." He indulges no 
private interests or affections inconsistent with this 
grand object, or with the methods by which it is to 
be promoted. So far as he understands the scheme 
of redemption, it appears to him worthy of all accep- 
tation. He judges what he cannot fully comprehend, 
by the known wisdom and goodness of the Author. 
If he have any prejudices, which he cannot reconcile 
with the word of inspiration, he lays them at the foot 
of the cross, willing that the wisdom of (rod, though 
enveloped in mystery, should stand. He would not 
alter an iota of the word of God, were it put in his 
power. No, such is his affectionate confidence in 
the wisdom, goodness, and power of Jehovah, that 
he wishes him to be all and in all. 

This implies, that the Christian is pursuing the 
same object with his Lord. We are creatures of af- 
fection. What is uppermost in our hearts will gov- 
ern our conduct. We may have some degree of af- 
fection to subordinate objects. Such objects we shall 
readily sacrifice to that, which we supremely love. 
Now the Christian, viewing with supreme affection 
that cause, for which his Lord came into this world, 
and labored, and died, will willingly spend and be 
spent in the same cause. If there be an interference 
of interests, must not this prevail? Christ is the 
Head. We are the members. If we be alive in 
Him, we shall not be idle. 
2, 



10 

I hardly need observe, that the happiness of per- 
sons of this character is oue with that of their Head. 
Is knowledge a source of happiness, — that scheme, 
which has, from the beginning, occupied the divine 
mind, and called forth the willing services of angels, 
is opened to their inspection. Their views, formed 
under the light of inspiration, and the guidance of the 
Holy Spirit, are continually becoming more correct 
and enlarged. Although, in the present imperfect 
state, they see only as through a glass darkly, they 
shall hereafter see face to face. Their enlarged and 
ever improving faculties will always find new wonders 
to fill and amaze them. Does the success of a cause, 
which we love, and to which we are devoted, gratify 
the soul, — the more christians know of the nature and 
object of Christ's kingdom, the more will they approve 
and love. If this cause, which engages their supreme 
affection, absorbs every other interest, and calls forth 
all their energies, prevail, how can their best hopes 
be disappointed ? When the Savior sees the travail 
of His soul, and is satisfied, the same views will also 
satisfy them. "Father, I will, that they also, whom 
thou hast given me, be with me, where I am, that they 
may behold my glory, which thou hast given me." 

Such is a faint sketch of the union of believers 
with Christ their Head. But what shall we say of 
the unlimited expression in my text, " that He might 
gather together in one all things, in Christ ?" Only 
intelligent and moral beings are capable of the views, 
affections, pursuits, and joys, which have been des- 
cribed. 

Whether the expression "all things" may, with- 
out doing violence to the original text, be restricted 



11 

to moral agents, I will not attempt to decide. There 
is an important sense, in which the animal and mate- 
rial worlds are subservient to the moral kingdom of 
Christ. They are given to man. They serve to sup- 
port and cheer him in the service of his Lord, and 
thus indirectly promote that cause for which man la- 
bors. When men are united to Christ, they bring 
with them into His service all that is under their con- 
trol. All, even the minutest creatures, animate and 
inanimate, form part of that magnificent system, of 
which Christ is the Head, and which will ultimately 
subserve His glory. 

Even those moral agents, who have sinned, and 
continue obstinate in rebellion, are subject to the 
power of the Lord. He can either restrain, or over- 
rule their malignity. At the day of the manifestation 
of all things, He will be glorified in His treatment of 
impenitent sinners and rebel angels. This seems to 
be the meaning of that scripture, " that at the name 
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, 
and things in earth, and things under the earth, and 
that every tongue should confess, that Jesus Christ 
is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The dev- 
ils confessed our Lord, whilst He was on earth, to be 
the Son of God. All moral agents, who refuse to bow 
before Him in affectionate homage, will be forced to 
acknowledge His glory, and bend to His power. 
Those, who obstinately refuse to embrace His mercy, 
will illustrate His justice, and truth, and holiness, by 
enduring the penalty of His law. In this view, all 
things will be " put under His feet." 

God is also gathering together in one all things in 
Christ, " which are in heaven." Many happy souls, 



IS 

who were united to Him on earth, are now removed 
to His immediate presence. And do they cease to ac^ 
knowledge Him as theh* Head? Ho they cease to 
entertain the same views, to cherish the same affec- 
tions, to pursue the same object, or to partake of the 
same happiness with Him? They are, on the con- 
trary, more nearly united to Him, They behold 
more of His glory. They have clearer views of the 
manner, in which all things are conspiring to advance 
His cause. Their love is invigorated. They mingle 
their songs and services with those of angels. They 
worship in the immediate presence of the great object 
of their affection. Must not their happiness be great, 
beyond our power of conception? There are also, 
in close union with the Redeemer, those antient saints, 
who waited in faith for His manifestation. There 
is Abraham, the father of the faithful, and a train of 
worthies, whose hearts were renewed by the Holy 
Ghost, and who trusted in a promised Redeemer. 
With what rapture would they, like good old Sime- 
on, have embraced the child Jesus, might they have 
beheld Him on earth ! With what transport have 
they hailed Him ascending from the grave, after hav- 
ing actually paid the ransom, in anticipation of which 
they had hope and salvation ! There, it is probable, 
that most of us may say ; there are some of the dear 
friends, with whom we once took sweet counsel, and 
walked to the house of God in company. O, how 
close and endearing must be the union of the spirits 
of just men made perfect, beholding the face of their 
Redeemer in righteousness, and being satisfied with 
His likeness ! 



13 

The holy angels are also united with Christ. 
They are His creatures; and there is no reason to 
doubt, but their superior knowledge excites in them 
proportionable affection, zeal aud delight. Are they 
not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to 
those, who will be heirs of salvation ? Do they not 
encamp around the righteous? Were they not our 
Savior's constant attendants, busily employed in the 
affairs of His kingdom, from His birth to the mourn- 
ful scene in Gethsemane ? Did they serve without 
any knowledge of His views, without any affection, 
without any bond of union to their Lord? No, 
though their relation to Christ be, in some respects, 
different from that of sinners, and although we can 
know nothing of its peculiar nature, this does not di- 
minish the evidence of their union with Him. Their 
sphere of service is different from ours ; but the great 
object is the same, the glory of their Head. Who 
can doubt, but the affections and delight, with which 
they pursue this object, are of the same nature, that 
holy beings of an inferior order experience? 

There is also a uniou between angels and saints, 
through their common Head. If angels now minis- 
ter to us, and learn by the church the manifold wis- 
dom of God, may not we hereafter repay their kind 
attentions, and behold new wonders of wisdom and 
goodness from (rod's peculiar dispensations towards 
them, and the inhabitants of other worlds ? 

From this subject, aud particularly from the na- 
ture of the union between Christ and believers, we 
are led to reflect on the nature and reality of experi- 
mental religion. It consists in participating the 



14? 

views, feelings, pursuits and happiness of our bles- 
sed Redeemer. Is it delusion to contemplate the di- 
vine character and government, and redemption 
through the blood of Christ, as God has revealed 
them? May not the plan of gathering together in 
one all things in Christ, the progress it is now mak- 
ing, and its future accomplishment appear a solemn 
reality ? May it not captivate the mind^ and raise 
it above earthly vanities and interests ? May it not 
warm the affections, and animate the soul to zeal and 
perseverance in the work of the Lord, and fill it with 
all joy, and peace, and triumph? May not these 
views, these affections, these exertions, and these 
joys flow from a consistent belief in God's word, and 
a just estimation of eternal things ? Or must all this 
be delusion ? In other pursuits, men are not asham- 
ed to show, that their affections are engaged, that 
their happiness depends on success. Who condemns, 
who does not approve the enthusiasm of the young 
artist, scholar, or philanthropist ? And what is their 
object, compared with saving sinners from death, re- 
conciling them to God, uniting them to the kingdom, 
yea to the body of Christ? May not Christians be 
conscious of being thus united ? May not the expe- 
rience of such union be a foretaste of heavenly joy ? 
If this be enthusiasm, may it spread ; aud may God 
hasten the time, when, like an overbearing flood, it 
shall fill the earth. 

My respected hearers, allow me, with faithful- 
ness, to press the inquiry on your consciences, are 
you gathered together in one in Christ? Are your 
views, affections, pursuits, and joys the same, as His 
were, when in the flesh He 6et us an example ? If 



15 

there be such a union, as has been described, between 
Christ and His disciples ; if this were what He had 
in view, when He prayed, " that they all may be 
one, as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that 
they also may be one in us," — how dark must that 
mind be, which can see no wisdom or glory in the pe- 
culiarities of the gospel 1 How perverted those af- 
fections, which are not warmed in view of this scheme 
of sovereign grace to reconcile all things to God ! 
How misguided the exertions, which are not directed 
to this object ! How delusive the hopes of happiness, 
which do not flow from such union ! Do any enter- 
tain different views of the essential features of the 
gospel, and of the glory of the Redeeme* ; are any 
attempting to lay another foundation, or to establish 
another gospel, and placing their happiness in suc- 
cess, whilst the simplicity of the true gospel is to 
them a stumbling block or foolishness, — how will 
they be prepared to rejoice in the triumph of the 
cross ? "What pleasure will it afford them, to be, 
where Christ is, and to behold His glory ? His glo- 
ry consists in what they despised and opposed. His 
favorite children are those, whom they hated and 
contemned. Their own speculations are vanished, 
like shades of night before the rising sun. It is too 
late to form new views, and to give a new current to 
their affections. The day of probation is past, that 
of retribution come. Must they not eternally remain 
enemies to that, to which they were not reconciled 
during their probationary season ? How important 
then the inquiry, to every individual, am I gathered 
together with the friends of God, in one in Christ? 



16 

"We may see in the light 0/ this subject, what 
ought to be the union among Christians, and their 
feelings and treatmeut one to another. All real 
Christians are united in their views of the leading 
object of the gospel. They have such views of the 
purity and spirituality of God's law, that they feel 
their own depravity, guilt, and wretchedness. They 
are united in reposing humble and implicit confidence 
in the wisdom of Christ and the instructions of His 
word, in the efficacy of His atoning blood, and in His 
ability to save, to the uttermost, all who come to the 
Father by Him. They devote themselves unreserv- 
edly to His service. They desire to grow up into 
Him, in all things, who is the Head, even Christ. 
Their views, their affections, their interest, and their 
hopes are united in the same great object, and in its 
essential and leading features. Must they not then 
feel as brethren ? " By this shall all men know that 
ye are my disciples, if ye have love, one to another." 
Merciful Jesus ! Are these thy words ? Where 
then have been thy disciples, for so many ages, whilst 
different sects have, in thy name, been opposing, a- 
busing. persecuting, and slaughtering each other ? 
Has Christ, since Paul's day, been divided? Have 
any of the leaders of sects been crucified for their fol- 
lowers ? Yet how lamentably have party distinctions 
and interests been magnified, above the vital princi- 
ples of the gospel ! 

If men only contended about what they believe 
essential to a saving union with Christ, and would 
contend, however earnestly, with christian temper, 
we should not wonder ; we could not blame them. 
Christian union cannot be expected among those, 



M 

who ilo not hold, or who do not consider each other 
as holding, to the lame Head. But errors, not in- 
consistent with union to Christ, ought not to estrange 
Christians from each other. 

That there should be difference in some minute 
views of Christian doctrine, duty, and expediency, 
among those, who drink with humble faith and holy 
relish from the same consecrated fountain, is no won- 
der. Infinite Wisdom seems purposely to have left 
some things to be regulated by human prudence, ac- 
cording to the various circumstances of different ages 
and nations. Such, it is conceived, are many circum- 
stances respecting the forms of worship, the mode of 
administering special ordinances, distributing ecclesi- 
astical power, and maintaining Christian discipline. 
It would be no wonder, if Christians, living at remote 
parts of the earth, and having received those religious 
views, forms, and customs, which are not expressly 
taught in scripture, modified through the lapse of ages, 
by the influence of climate, education, domestic habits, 
and civil institutions, should acquire such different out- 
ward appearances, as hardly to know each other. But 
if, instead of contending about differences of minor 
importance, they would inquire, whether they could 
have communion of heart on the great subjects of vi- 
tal religion ; if they would inquire after repentance 
towards God^ and faith, unreserved faith, in the Lord 
Jesus Christ ; if they would sympathize with each 
other in their mournful feelings of regret for sin, and 
for their daily imperfections, and distance from (rod, 
in their confidence in Christ's atoning blood, and in 
their hungering and thirsting after righteousness ; if 
they would mingle their songs of praise to Him, that 



IS 

loved them, and washed them from their sins in his 
own blood, and is making thed|kings and priests to 
God and His Father ; would they feel an inclination 
to be at war? Would they endanger the great inter- 
est of Christ to build up a party ? If after such com- 
munion of heart, and under its influence, they should 
inquire into the views and circumstances, in which 
their differences originated, would they not, in view 
of these circumstances, at least tolerate each other in 
their different practices? What disposition might 
afterwards remain to discuss points of difference, like 
those, to which we just alluded, I cannot say. Nor 
can it be foreseen, whether the different sects, which 
divide every part of the Christian world, will ever 
renounce their peculiarities, so as customarily to unite 
in worship and ordinances. Different congregations 
may retain, till the second coming of Christ, some of 
their distinguishing modes and forms. But will they 
make them essential ? Will they put them in place 
of the body of Christ? Will they feel more satis- 
faction in drawing a few to their own particular 
views, than in seeing sinners gathered to Christ ? 

There are, without doubt, at the present day, 
many secular interests and unhallowed animosities, 
as well as pardonable prejudices, prompting the zeal, 
with which different sects, who hold evangelical 
principles, contend. But until these be subdued, and 
Christians are disposed to love, and to mingle, at least 
occasionally, in every religious act with those, who 
love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, the Church 
will never be raised to her native beauty and digni- 
ty ; she will not appear clear as the sun, fair as the 
moon, and terrible as an army with banners. 



Id 

Probably no one thing, except the natural oppo- 
sition of the human heart to divine truth, has so much 
impeded the progress of the gospel, as jealousies and 
discord among Christians. Instead of uniting all 
their energy to oppose the common enemy, too many 
waste their strength in mutual contentions. Instead 
of building, with united and affectionate zeal, the 
house of God, too many are idly disputing, in what 
form it shall be built. 

Whilst we see much to lament of party feeling 
among different sects, we may also notice much to 
approve ; much, which has taken place within a few 
years, to cheer the hearts of affectionate Christians. 
The union, in various parts of the world, of different 
denominations in bible and other charitable societies; 
the influence of a truly catholic and evangelical work, 
published under the influence of the episcopal church 
in Great Britain, and extensively patronized by per- 
sons of various sects in this country ; the Christian 
treaty between powerful sovereigns, who rale nations 
of different religions establishments in Europe ; the 
intercommunion of Baptists and Congregationalists 
in Asia ; all tenti to compose the differences between 
the members of Christ, to lead them to look more at 
essentials, and dispose them to walk together in love, 
wherein they are agreed. 

Bo not the signs of the times conspire with the 
revealed purposes of God to cheer the hopes and 
raise the expectations of the friends of Zion ? Lift 
up your eyes, and behold the vast fields, in every 
quarter of the globe, that are white already to the 
harvest. Who are these, that fly, as a cloud, and as 
doves to their windows ? The first fruits of the Spi- 
rit are already manifest in every climate and region 



26 

of the earth. The delusive and hideous phantoms 
of paganism are vanishing, before the light of the Sun 
of righteousness. The temples of idols are shaken. 
Their worshippers are deserting them. Pagan insti- 
tutions are crumbling to dust, at the voice of the an- 
gel flying through the midst of heaven, having the 
everlasting gospel, to preach to them, that dwell on 
the earth. Many among the heathen are looking to 
Jesus, as their only hope. Sons, who, but for the 
seal of Christians would have been sacrificed to idols, 
are grown up in their youth, and sanctified to the 
Lord. Daughters, who would have been devoted to 
■Just and wretchedness, are polished after the simili- 
tude of a palace, and wrought into God's building. 
Is not the Creator asserting His right to rule ? Are 
not the friends of Immanuel animated ? Are not fer- 
vent prayers, mingled with much alms and many 
thanksgivings, ascending up continually before God ? 
What charitable institution lias of late years failed 
of support? How have many flourished, beyond the 
most sanguine expectations of their projectors, and 
friends ! Is it not apparent, that the set time to favor 
Zion has come? How rapid and glorious is the 
gathering to Christ ! 

What Christian does not feel animated with such 
views? Who will withhold his aid? Who does 
not burn with holy zeal to be a worker together with 
God, in so glorious a cause ? You will now have 
opportunity. Reflection on the immense harvest to 
be gathered in has led to fervent prayers to the Lord 
of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into 
His harvest. But prayers must be accompanied with 
efforts. This Society has been formed to concentrate 
these efforts. Its object is sufficiently known. The 



£1 

need of ministers has been repeatedly and ably ex- 
posed. In this country, there is hardly one, where 
four are needed ; and there are many millions, many 
hundred millions of our race, to whom the gospel has 
not yet been proclaimed. Many young men, who 
are hopefully devoted to their Redeemer, are waiting, 
anxiously waiting, only for the means of being qual- 
ified by a suitable education, to devote themselves to 
the ministry. From such, if educated by a sacred 
charity for this purpose, what exertions may we not 
expect. 

There is just cause for regret, not only that min- 
isters are so few, but that they are not distributed, 
even in this country^ as impartial benevolence would 
seem to require. There are many stations for great 
usefulness, which possess few other attractions, and 
are utterly neglected. Candidates, consulting their 
own inclination and the wishes of their friends, pre- 
fer settling nearer home, in more populous and culti- 
vated places ; and openings of this kind, where there 
appears to be room for usefulness, are sufficiently nu- 
merous to take up ministers of talents. It is well 
known, that missionary societies have found it ex- 
tremely difficult to engage suitable persons in their 
employment. But may we not hope, that young men 
educated by a sacred charity, will feel more disposed 
to make personal sacrifices in view of the general in- 
terest, and will particularly respect the judgment of 
disinterested patrons ? It may be the design of Prov- 
idence, with respect to many of these, that " the wil- 
derness and solitary place shall be glad for them, 
and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." 

Will you then hold up their hands, and cheer 
their hearts, and enable them to go and gather those, 



who are ready to perish, together in Christ? Will 
you, now your feelings are engaged, fix the heavenly 
glow in your hearts ? Will you not, by contributing 
of your substance, add a new bond to your union 
with Christ and His redeemed ? 

What you now give may be compared to grain 
sent to a destitute people, not for immediate consump- 
tion ; but for seed. Fix your attention on some pi- 
ous youth, who may be waiting for the assistance of 
this society, that he may obtain a suitable education 
for the ministry. It is not an unreasonable supposi- 
tion, that the contribution now to be taken up may be 
sufficient to educate at least one. Suppose him to be 
able, zealous, prudent, and successful. He may be 
the means of converting a hundred sinners to the 
Lord, What a delightful thought ! An hundred 
souls saved from death, and gathered together in one 
in Christ ! But do not stop here : — among these are 
some faithful fathers, who will command their child- 
ren and households after them ; and they shall keep 
the way of the Lord. Among these are some faith- 
ful mothers, who will educate Samuels and Timo- 
thys for the service of religion. Look forward a few 
generations, and how incalculable the increase ! 
What will you say, how will you feel, when the 
building of God shall be completed, and the head 
stone thereof shall be brought forth, with shoutings, 
grace, grace ? What part will you then wish you 
had borne in erecting it ? May I not, with proprie- 
ty, adopt the words of St. Paul, on an occasion less 
interesting than the present, and say, " He that sow- 
eth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly ; and he that 
sowftth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." 



APPENDIX. 



At the second annual meeting of the society, helden 
in the hall of the Massachusetts Bank, after the delivery of the 
preceding discourse, the Directors presented to the Society the 
following 



REPORT. 

The Directors of " the American Society for educating 
Pious Youth for the Gospel Ministry," in presenting their sec- 
ond annnal Report, congratulate their associated brethren, on 
the increasing influence and pleasing prospects of the Society. 

The Directors have endeavored to transact the business of 
the Society in a manner, consistent with the liberal principles 
of the Constitution, and best calculated to promote the benevo- 
lent design of the members and patrons of the Institution. And 
although they have not been able to accomplish all, that could 
have been desired ; yet they are confident, that the incipient 
operations of the Society have been more effective and success- 
ful, than the most sanguine of its friends anticipated. 

Since the last annual meeting sixty-jive young men have 
been received, as beneficiaries of the Society ; which number, 
added to the forty, wko had been received during the preceding 
year, makes the whole number, who have received assistance 



£4 

from the funds of the Society, in the course of this year, one 
hundred and Jive. — Of these one only was in the third stage of 
education, when examined and admitted by the Directors ; and 
he, having completed his theological studies and received a call 
to settle in the ministry, will no longer need the assistance of 
the Society. — Five others have finished their course of study at 
College. Two of these, in a letter to the Directors, express a 
deep sense of their obligations to the Societ}', and their inten- 
tion, by their own exertions, to defray their expenses, while 
pursuing their theological studies. From the other three, no 
direct communication has been received, since they were grad- 
uated. But, it is believed, that they will all be able to complete 
their theological education without farther assistance. — Twenty- 
nine on the list of beneficiaries, are now in the second stage of 
education, pursuing their classical and scientific studies in sev- 
eral of our Universities and Colleges. They of course will need 
farther assistance. — The remaining seventy young men, under 
the patronage of the Society, are yet in the first stage of educa- 
tion, either in Academies, or with private instructors. These 
will therefore necessarily look for aid to the funds of the Socie- 
ty, for several years to come. 

In examining candidates for the charity of the Society, the 
Directors have endeavored to be faithful to the trust reposed in 
them. They have taken every practicable precaution to guard 
against deception, and to prevent a misapplication of the funds. 
They have accordingly required ample and explicit testimoni- 
als 5 and devoted much time to patient investigation. A stand- 
ing Committee of the Board has uniformly met, on the day pre- 
ceding each stated quarterly meeting, for the purpose of receiv- 
ing applications and examining candidates.* They have, how- 
ever, scrupulously confined the examination to the three grand 
points of qualification, recognized in the Constitution, piety, 
talents, and indigence. Accordingly they have admitted, as 
beneficiaries, young men who are members of churches of five 
different denominations. It has indeed been their constant aim 
to keep out of sight, as much as possible, all those external dis- 
tinctions, which separate real Christians ; and to afford encour- 
agement to genuine piety and real talents, wherever they were. 
found. 

* See note A, at the close of the Report. 



25 

It has likewise been the desire of the Directors to guard 
against the influence of local circumstances, and personal con- 
siderations, in appropriating the funds of the Society. While 
they have placed, on the list of beneficiaries, all who have given 
satisfactory evidence of their possessing the requisite qualifica- 
tions ; they have endeavored faithfully, though with tenderness, 
to reject the applications of those, with whom they were sot sat- 
isfied. While they have examined with patience and fidelity 
all applicants, living within a hundred miles of Boston ; they 
have been particular in requesting those gentlemen, whom they 
have authorised and desired to act for them, as examining com- 
mittees at a greater distance, to use the utmost care in ascer- 
taining the qualifications of the candidates, whom they recom- 
mend to the Board. It will be found by reference to the rec- 
ords of the Directors, that there are among the beneficiaries, na- 
tives of eight of the United States. 

The Directors have also felt it their duty, and have careful- 
ly endeavored, to keep the interest of the Society distinct from 
that of any particular literary institution. They have intended 
to favor no one seminary of learning to the exclusion of others. 
Accordingly the Society has beneficiaries in ten different Colle- 
ges and six different Academies, beside a few with private in- 
structors. Indeed, they have uniformly been permitted to pursue 
their studies, where they have found it most convenient and 
economical. 

In order to prevent a waste of the sacred funds of the Socie- 
ty, the Directors have in no case pledged themselves to furnish 
a full support to those, whom they have placed on this charitable 
foundation. They simply assure to those, who' continue to prove 
themselves worthy of encouragement, such temporary grants as 
in the judgment of the Board, may enable them with the 
strictest economy, the aid of friends, and their own personal 
exertions, to meet their necessary expenses. For this purpose a 
circular letter has been addressed to each of the beneficiaries.* 

Considering it to be one object of the Institution to raise the 
standard of ministerial qualifications, as well as to increase the 
number of pious and learned ministers, the Directors have uni- 
formly refused to grant pecuniary assistance to applicants, who 

* See Note B. 
4 



36 

intend to enter on the work of the ministry without a College 
education. 

In addition to the vote of the Directors last year, by which 
the three Senior Officers of the several Colleges in New Eng- 
land were authorised and requested, to examine, in behalf of 
the Society, candidates for assistance in their respective vicini- 
ties, according to the Constitution of the Society and the regu- 
lations of the Directors ; — they have this year authorised and re- 
quested the three Senior Officers of Hamilton College and Un- 
ion College in New York, and of Columbia College in South 
Carolina, to perform for the Society the same service in their 
respective vicinities. They have likewise authorised and re- 
quested the Rev. Dr. Palmer, Dr. Percy, Nathaniel Russel and 
Timothy Ford, Esquires, to act, as an examining Committee in 
Charleston, (S. C.) and its vicinity. 

For a knowledge of the state of the funds, the Directors 
would refer to the Treasurer's account and the Auditor's re- 
port. Though the means of affording assistance have hitherto 
increased with the increasing number of beneficiaries, so that 
the Directors have not been obliged to reject a single applicant, 
with whose qualifications they were satisfied 5 yet they have not 
been without solicitude, lest they should increase the number 
beyond the resources of the treasury; and thus disappoint the 
reasonable expectations of those pious young men, who have 
been encouraged to place themselves under the patronage of the 
Society. Accordingly they have endeavored, by personal ex- 
ertions^ by soliciting subscriptions, by forming auxiliary socie- 
ties, and by employing agents in various parts of the country, to 
open new sources, and thus to augment the funds in proportion 
to the increasing number ef beneficiaries. Among other means, 
they have thought it expedient to publish a second address to 
the public* 

In conclusion of the report, it is obvious to remark, that the 
members and benefactors of the Society have much to encour- 
age them, to persevere in the attempt to replenish our churches 
with able and faithful pastors, and to supply the destitute re- 
gions of our country with pious and learned ministers. It is 
true, much labor must be performed and powerful efforts made, 

* See note C. 



37 

before the Society will obtain an influence, adequate to the im- 
portance of its benevolent object — before the estimated defi- 
ciency of six thousand ministers in our own country will be 
supplied ; and a competent number of missionaries for the hea- 
then world to be raised up and qualified for their work. But 
from a view of the progress of the Society, during the first two 
years of its existence, we have surely reason to anticipate much 
from its future and more extended exertions. The sphere of 
its operations is indeed rapidly increasing 5 and there is much 
reason to believe, that by prudent management and persevering 
exertions, its influence may soon be extended through the Uni- 
ted States ; and every portion of our country be made to partici- 
pate in its labors and benefits. 

Brethren, let us be excited to diligence and perseverance. 
While we u pray the Lord of the harvest, to send forth laborers 
into his harvest ;" let our exertions accord with the spirit of this 
prayer — let us freely contribute of our substance, and cheerful- 
ly devote a portion of our time, to obtain the object of our 
Association. Let us not relax our exertions, till a pious and 
learned minister is furnished for every thousand souls in our 
country, and a competent number of qualified missionaries for 
every heathen land — till we see verified in fact, what the belov- 
ed apostle saw in vision ; " an angel, flying through the midst of 
heaven, having the everlasting gospel, to preach unto them that 
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and 
tongue, and people" — till complete and perfect obedience is 
paid to the high command 5 " Go ye into all the world, and 
preach the gospel to every creature" — till the messengers of sal- 
vation shall visit every human family, and this song of joy and 
gladness be on every human tongue ; " How beautiful upon the 
mountains are the feet of him, that bringeth glad tidings, that 
publisheth peace 5 that bringeth good tidings of good 5 that saith 
wnto Zion, thy God reigneth !" 



■:,.. 



NOTE A. 

The Directors have experienced much inconvenience from 
the application of some, who had paid no attention to classical 
studies. In such cases, the examination consumes more time, 
and furnishes a less decisive test of talents. It is certainly de- 
sirable, that no one should apply, without spending at least three 
months previously in classical studies. 



NOTE B. 

Circular letter referred to in the preceding report 

Dear Sir, 

The Directors of " the American Society for educating Pi- 
ous Youth for the Gospel Ministry," having placed you on the 
foundation, as a beneficiary, think it proper to state to you ex- 
plicitly, what will be expected of you, and what course you must 
pursue, in order to be continued on this foundation. 

It can scarcely be necessary to remind you, that the interest 
of this Institution forbids us to grant any individual more, than 
is absolutely necessary, to enable him to obtain a suitable edu- 
cation for the ministry, upon the most economical plan ; or to 
inform you, that every beneficiary will be expected to procure 
from his friends and by his personal exertions as much of his 
support, as possible. 

The Constitution ef the Society expressly provides, that no 
person shall a be continued on this foundation, whose Instructor 
or Instructors shall not annually exhibit to the Directors satis- 
factory evidence, that in point of genius, diligence, literary 
progress, morals and piety, he is a proper character to receive 
this sacred charity : in addition to which, each beneficiary, after 



89 

his admission into any College, shall annually exhibit to the 
Directors a written declaration, that it continues to be his seri- 
ous purpose, if his life be spared, to devote that life to the gospel 
ministry." — In accordance with this provision, the Directors 
have resolved, that beneficiaries, in the first stage of education, 
shall be considered on probation for three months ; at the close 
of which term, such constitutional evidence shall be furnished 
by their Instructors, before thej can receive further assistance. 

This information, however, will not enable the Directors to 
judge, how much aid may be necessary for each beneficiary. As 
often, therefore, as you wish for further assistance from the 
fands of the Society, it will be expected, that you make direct 
application by letter, addressed to one of the Directors. In 
which letter you will, without reserve, state your necessities ; 
carefully noting any change in your pecuniary circumstances ; 
exhibiting an accurate account of your necessary expenses ; 
mentioning any assistance, which you may have obtained, or 
which you may have reason to expect, from other sources ; and 
in general making a full communication of every fact and cir- 
cumstance, which may tend to give the Directors a clear view of 
your situation. 

The Directors require this particular and frequent commu- 
nication of your circumstances 5 because they conceive it to be 
the best method of obtaining that information, which alone can 
enable them to apportion the benefactions of the Society judic- 
iously ; and because they feel it to be their indispensable duty, 
to use the utmost economy in appropriating the funds of the 
Society. 

Hoping, that by your diligence in the acquisition of knowl- 
edge, and by cultivating a spirit of piety and benevolence, you 
will become qualified for the important work of the ministry, we 
commend you to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

JV. B. You are requested to preserve this letter, as your 
directory in making all future applications for assistance, $c. 



m 

NOTE C. 

Address referred to in the preceding report. 

In the present appeal to the public, we shall take it for 
granted that our fellow-Christians and fellow-citizens at large 
are not now to be informed of the existence, or ©f the nature 
and objects of the Society, whose cause we plead. A pam- 
phlet containing its Constitution and Address has been, for more 
than a year, in extensive circulation. To that pamphlet, to the 
sermons printed by the Society, and the annual Report of the 
Directors, we must refer those, who wish for particular infor- 
mation respecting the design of the institution, and its claims 
on the patronage of the community. 

Of facts, estimates and arguments, already before the pub- 
lic, a minute recapitulation would be obviously improper. We 
are confident likewise, that it is unnecessary. The very desig- 
nation of the Society in whose behalf we speak, carries in it a 
powerful appeal to the hearts of Christians. The design of ed- 
ucating pious youth for the Gospel ministry, cannot fail instan- 
taneously to commend itself to every friend of God and man. 

With all who believe in Revelation, it is an acknowledged 
and familiar principle, that the Christian ministry is the great 
standing ordinance of Heaven, for the conversion and salvation 
of men. It is to the blessing of God on this institution, that 
the progress and influence of Christianity in the world are to be 
principally ascribed. The fact is attested by the experience of 
eighteen centuries. Other means, it is acknowledged, have 
their important place and use. The dissemination of the writ- 
ten word is an essential requisite, not merely to the prosperity, 
but to the existence of religion in a community. But the sacred 
Scripture itself, without a standing ministry to expound its doc- 
trines, and administer its ordinances, has opposed an unavail- 
ing resistance to human ignorance and depravity. For want of 
pious and well instructed preachers, many portions of New- 
England, the most favored region of the United States, have 
scarcely to this hour emerged from a state of heathenism. To 
the same cause it is owing, that other portions, once the abode 



SI 



tff Christian institutions, and Christian piety, have gone back to 
a condition of gross ignorance and stupidity. 

Nor let it be forgotten, that while it is the grand aim of 
Christianity to train man for future blessedness, it sheds the 
most benign influence on his present condition. It is the best 
friend of literature, of science, and the arts ; the guardian «f 
liberty; the support of government ; the cement of society ; the 
source of all that adorns and sweetens life. To preserve, then, 
and to perpetuate the Christian ministry, is a first dictate of 
patriotism and philanthropy, as well as of piety. Who that 
feels for his country, and his species, can forbear to cherish an 
institution connected, by so many ligaments, with whatever is 
interesting and precious to human beings? What man of re- 
ligion, or of sensibility, would not weep to think, that in this 
land, once blest with a singular plentitude of religious instruc- 
tion, there should be experienced the heaviest of divine judg- 
ments, a. famine of the word of the Lord? 

In intimating a danger of this kind, we do not sound a false 
or needless alarm ; we do but echo the apprehensions of every 
well informed and reflecting mind. W"e refer to facts, too evi- 
dent to be disputed, too obvious to be overlooked, too serious to 
be trifled with. For many years, the number of qualified Gos- 
pel ministers, compared with the population of our country, has 
been gradually, but rapidly diminishing. While the most favor- 
ed sections in the community are but imperfectly supplied, im 
mense regions are absolutely desolate; and thousands upon 
thousands go down to the grave, from year to year, uninstructed 
and unwarned. In a word, the fact is undeniable, that millions 
of the inhabitants of these United States are destitute of the sta- 
ted means of religious instruction ; and of these unhappy beings, 
a considerable portion has never so much as heard a Gospel 
sermon, or beheld the face of a Christian minister. 

The exigencies of our suffering fellow-countrymen, "bone of 
our bones, and flesh of our flesh," have at length touched the 
hearts of their more privileged brethren. Their claims have 
been felt and acknowledged. A system of measures has been 
devised, and put into operation, for their relief. Indeed, the 
facts we have stated must be amply sufficient to evince to every 
person of reflection, the duty of extraordinary, and hitherto un- 
precedented exertions to increase the number ©f duly qualified 



88 

ministers of the Gospel. And we deem it one of the felicities 
of the Society which through us, as its organ, now addresses the 
Christian public, that while its plan enables it to call into the 
service of the church, the brightest talents and the most fervent 
pietj of our rising youth, wherever they may be found, it se- 
cures, likewise, to those talents the best cultivation, and to that 
piety the most rational direction. 

Most devoutly and affectionately would we adore the Father 
of mercies, the Giver of every good gilt, for his smiles upon our 
infant Institution. We congratulate its friends and well-wish- 
ers throughout the community, that in less than a year and a 
half, from the commencement of its operations, it has received 
under its patronage eighty-eight young* men of " promising tal- 
ents, and hopeful piety." We gratefully acknowledge, like- 
wise, the sensibility and favor with which its object has been 
regarded by Christians at large, and the active and generous 
patronage which it has received. 

At the same time, our circumstances and our prospects con- 
strain us to renew our appeal to the liberality of the public. Tn 
receiving so large a number of youtb, we obeyed at once the im- 
pulse of feeling, and of apprehended duty 5 the intimations of 
Providence, and the demands of Zion. Yet we could not be ig- 
norant that we were casting both ourselves and our beloved 
charge on the charity of our fellow-Christians. The funds en- 
trusted to our care, unless they receive large accessions, will 
soon be exhausted. And it now remains to be seen whether 
these young pensioners shall be thrown back upon the mercy of 
the world ; whether the doors of the Society shall be closed 
against new applicants : whether the raised hopes of the church- 
es shall terminate in the bitterness of disappointment ; wheth- 
er, in a word, the brightest day that has ever dawned on our 
American Israel shall be suddenly overshadowed by the gloom 
of midnight. 

As to the issue of the experiment, we cannot, for ourselves, 
entertain either anxiety or doubt. We cannot suspect that a 
Society which has laid such strong hold on the public affection, 
will be suffered to perish in iU infancy. We cannot believe that 
the thousands, who send up their daily prayers for its prosperi- 
ty, will withhold from it their active patronage, and liberal aid. 
We are humbly confident that the glorious Head of the 



38 

church will cherish and support a cause so signally his own ; 
that having inspired the great design, he will supply the means 
of its accomplishment ; and that many a treasure is now accu- 
mulating, which He will draw forth to the service of his sanc- 
tuary. 

The present era is honorably distinguished as the age of be- 
neficence. Scarcely any important object, which commends it- 
self to the approbation of the public, fails to be patronized by 
its liberality. It is far from our wish to establish our claims on 
the attention of the community, by depreciating these of others. 
Nor have we occasion. The Society for educating pious youth 
for the ministry has its interests and success intimately inter- 
woven with the interest and success of all other pious and be- 
nevolent institutions. Its designs are directly auxiliary to 
theirs; and it claims their friends and patrons as its own. 
While Bible Societies are sending forth the sacred volume in 
every direction, it is peculiarly important that interpreters 
should follow to explain it. Without a great increase of quali- 
fied preachers, Missionary Societies must soon see their efforts 
prove abortive, and their very means of operation fail. Insti- 
tutions for suppressing vice, and reforming the public manners, 
must look for their principal support to the faithful inculcation 
of Gospel doctrines, precepts and motives. And we appeal to 
all the friends of humanity, of science and literature, whether 
these great objects have not always received the most active 
and efficient patronage from an enlightened Christian ministry. 

It is a fact never to be forgotten, that at the very period 
when the friends of Zion have begun to feel the necessity and 
obligation of seeking out pious youth, and gratuitously training 
them for the ministry, uncommon effusions of heavenly grace 
have visited various regions of our country, and especially our 
public seminaries of learning. These signal interpositions 
speak a language, not to be misunderstood. They announce to 
Christians that their designs are approved in heaven, and pa- 
tronized by God himself; that their pious liberality will never 
want an object, nor their humble efforts a divine cooperation. 

Other peculiarities in the aspects of the times, we deem 
highly auspicious. In almost every portion of our country, the 
conviction is commencing, or gaming strength, of the inestima- 
ble worth of the Gospelj and especially of the Christinn minis- 
§ 



34 

try. The slumber of ages is disturbed ; and thousands, and 
myriads are apparently beginning to feel that they are immor- 
tal. " Send us the bread of life — — send us missionaries 

sand us ministers" such is the pathetic and importunate cry 

which echoes and re-echoes from one extremity of the land to 
the other. It is not for Christians to close their ears and hearts 
against such appeals as these. When the fields are thus white 
to the harvest, who would not employ every effort to prepare 
and send forth a host of laborers. 

We congratulate all who have the sensibilities of Christians, 
or of men, that they have such an invaluable opportunity for 
action ; that they may act on a large scale ; and with the inspir- 
ing hope that the consequences will be beneficial, beyond the 
possibility of calculation. We congratulate those, whom 
Heaven has blest with opulence, that an ©bject is now placed 
before them, which can " give gold a price," and render it no 
common privilege to be rich. We would remind those, whose 
circumstances are little above mediocrity, or even below it, 
that they are not precluded from bearing an important part in 
this work of mercy. Their offerings, though individually small, 
may, in the aggregate, be vastly important. With that large 
portion of our fellow-citizens who, from the pressure of the 
times, have found their property, and their means of doing 
good, materially diminished, we sincerely sympathize. Yet 
to such, we may be permitted to recommend the example of a 
pious merchant, who, having received intelligence of losses so 
great as seemed to threaten him with poverty, took the occa- 
sion to devote several considerable sums to purposes of benevo- 
lence and piety. " If," said he, " my property is thus forsak- 
ing me, let me at lease secure a. part of it." 

But while we duly estimate the importance of individual 
contributions, our principal expectations are derived from the 
combined exertions of Societies. We rejoice that several 
County Associations have already sprung up in aid of our de- 
sign ; from some of which we receive the most efficient support. 
With confidence we rely on the continuance of their exertions; 
and we entertain the hope that their example will soon be imi- 
tated throughout the commonwealth. 

It is one of the prominent and delightful peculiarities of the 
dar, that pious and amiable females have come forward, with a 



35 

sensibility and zeal hitherto unparalleled, to promote the cause 
of religion. Precluded from actively preaching the Gospel of 
their adored Redeemer, they are doing more than their equal 
part in furnishing the means, and preparing the instruments for 
the glorious work. Surely, this is not to " overstep the modes- 
fy" of the sex. It is their highest ornament and glory. We 
calculate largely on their support ; and have already received, 
from individuals and associations, important contributions to 
our funds. 

But there are societies of a particular species, to which we 
look with a singular confidence. We mean the churches of 
Jesus Christ. Bound by ties innumerable, by obligations un- 
paralleled, to love the Redeemer's cause, and the souls for 
which he died, they surely can never be indifferent to an Insti- 
tution most intimately connected with both. To them is com- 
mitted the sacreb deposit of the Gospel, not to be concealed 
in obscurity, not to be confined within their own pale, but to be 
spread through the world ; to be communicated through its au- 
thorized and qualified ministers to every creature. Such is the 
express command of Christ himself. Brethren, what have you 
done in obedience to this command ? And what are you now 
doing ? Alas ! have you not slumbered too long ? Arouse, 
then, and pay the long arrear of duty to your Saviour; of com. 
passion to the souls of men. A Society comes to your door, 
and asks your aid in extending the Gospel, by multiplying the 
number of its ministers. And shall it ask in vain ? Shall not 
your liberal offerings witness that its object, and its prosperity 
are dear to your hearts ? 

Fellow-Christians and fellow-citizens! We have spread 
before you the exigences of the Church, and the community. 
We have attempted to plead with you the cause of the Redeem- 
er, of Zion, and of man. It is yours, under Gocl, to determine 
whether the American church shall continue to be fed with the 
bread of heaven, or be afflicted with spiritual famine. It is 
yours to determine whether this favored land shall still be bright- 
ened with the beams of the Sun of righteousness, or be covored 
with the glooms of ignorance, of delusion, and moral death. 
Eliphalet Pearson, Joshua Bates, 
Abiel Holmes, Brown Emerson, , 

Daniel Dana, Asa Eaton. 

Ebenezer Pouter, 



86 
DONATIONS 

TO THE AMRICAN SOCIETY,, FROM OCT. 26, 1S16 } TO 1817, 

Collection at the Old South Church, after the Annual 

Sermon by Dr. Worcester <g215 36 
From a friend, bj Rev. Dr. Worcester 50 
Contribution in Rev. J. Chickering's Society, Woburn 14 17 
From a friend, by Rev. Asa Eaton 2 
From two Misses at School, saved out of their pin mo- 
ney, by Doctor Pearson 2 
Collected from various persons, by Rev. John Keep 445 12 
Female Auxiliary Subscription Society of Groton, 

Mass. by Rev. D. Chaplin 12 52 

NOVEMBER. 

John Perkins, Lynnfield 5 

John Peters, Boston 20 

David Grpenough, do 10 

Francis Welch, do 20 

Eliza Conant 1 



JANUARY. 



A Female, by Miss H. Moore 18 

do by J. Evarts, Esq. 2 

Norfolk Auxiliary Society, by Dr. J. Wheaton, treas. 136 85 

Female Reading Society, Newburyport 5 16 

From Mr. Eastburn, New-York 6 
From an Auxiliary Society and from individuals of 
Newburyport, including- one dollar and 1 ct. from 

a Juvenile Society, by S. Tenney, Esq. — in all 48 64 

From a friend, by Miss H. Moore 11 

do. the Boston Female Cent Society, by the Treas. 20 

FEBRUARY. 

Contribution in Rev. John Wiider's Society, in At- 

tleborough, Mass. ^ 14 60 



37 

MARCH. 

From Rev. Benj. M. Palmer, of Charleston, S. C. 

life subscription 100 

John Ball, Esq. of do. SO 

Mrs. Caroline Ball, of do. £0 
Collected of sundry annual subscribers, by Rev. Dr. 

Palmer, and remitted by him 48 

Of a female, by Rev. Thos. Holt 1 

Ashby Aux. Ed. Soc. by Abel Taylor, Treasurer 28 50 

APRIL. 

Edward Cruft 10 

Contribution in the Rev. Freegrace Reynold's Society 

in Wilmington, Mass. 17 42 

Ladies Aux. Ed. Soc. Andever 60 

Females of East Sudbury 5 

Of the Congregational and Presbyterian Female Edu- 

ucation Society, Charleston, S. C. agreeably to a 

vote of said Societies, received of Rev. Benj. M. 

Palmer, by hands of Rev. Doct. J. Morse 200 

Aux. Ed. Society, Windsor, Mass. by their Treasurer 

Gordon Durance 40 

MAY. 

Aux'y. Ed. Soc. Williamstown, Williams College and 
vicinity, of J. P. Whitman, Treasurer, by hands of 
Rev. Doct. Morse 86 

Of John B. Lawrence, Salem, in full of his life sub. 50 

Of ladies in Attleborough,collected by Miss Ma<y Reed 37 25 
Lebius Chaplin 4 

Female Cent Soc. of New Marlborough 28 

Auxiliary Mistionary Society of New 

Marlborough S7 ?i 

Female Auxiliary Missionary and Evangelical So- 
ciety of Newburyport and vicinity, by Sarah 
Goodrich, Treasurer 27 50 

Female Cent Society, Hopkinton, Mass. by Mrs. 

Olive Howe, Treas. 8 2 

Contribution in Rev. Nathaniel Howe's Society, Hop- 
kinton, Mass. 7 38 



38 

Of a gentleman in South Reading,by Rev. Reuben Em- 
erson 5 

Norfolk Aux. Soc. J. "Wheaton treasurer 69 52 

Female Charitable Society Holliston by Rev. 

J. Wheatsn* 15 37 

Collected in Miss Nancy Pierce's School, South 

Parish of Reading, Mass. 1 12 

Female Cent Society, South Parish of Reading, by 

Miss Susan Parker, Treasurer 49 5 

Of various individuals collecled by Rev. Mr. Keep 351 

Contribution in the Rev. Peter Sanberns Society 

South Parish Reading 41 20 

JUNE. 

Of several Ladies 50 

Lady of Wilmington 3 

Norfolk Aux. Ed. Soc, Doct. J. Wheaton treasurer 31 50 

JULY. 

Of individuals in Andover, by Rev. J. Edwards 5 40 

Collection in the Rev. John H. Stevens Society in 

Stoneham 13 87 

Norfolk Aux. Ed. Soc. Doct. J. Wheaton treasurer 540 

Of a Female member in the First Presbyterian Church 

Newburyport, by Rev. Doct. D. Dana J00 

Legacy by Mr. Solomon Davis Newburyport, received 
of Rev. Daniel Dana, who was authorised to appro- 
priate the same, to any object of a religious or char- 
itable nature at his discretion 50 
Of a person unknown by Rev. Daniel Dana 6 
Essex Aux. Ed. Soc. John Choate Esq. treasurer 300 
Otis Charitable Society; by Rev. Jobn Keep 5 75 
Second Prayer Society of young Ladies, at New- 
Ipswich, N. H. by N. Willey 4 

* The sum of 818 50 received from individuals of Holliston, 
by the Rev. J. Wheaton, May 1816, was inadvertently omitted 
in the appendix of the sermon last year. 



39 

Benjamin M. Palmer, Charleston, S. C. by the 
Rev. J. Morse 80 

Miss Lucy Brown, by N. Willey 1 

Members of Aux. Soc. in New Ipswich, N. H. 
by N. Willey 6 

Collected by Rev. Doct. Porter, in the Southern 

States, whilst on a journey 1129 

AUGUST. 

Female friend by Miss H. Moore 20 

Female Charitable Cent Society in Westford, 

by Mrs. Hulda Prescott, treasurer 
Young Ladies in Andover, by Miss Mary A. Hooker 
From persons unknown 

SEPTEMBER. 

Female Cent Society in Charlton 
Norfolk Aux. Ed. Society 

OCTOBER. 

Bridgewater Evangelical Society 

Miss Mercy Norton 

Young Lady of Boxford 

A Friend by Rev. Daniel Dana 

A Widow's Mite, bv Rev. Daniel Dana 

Rev. Mr. Hartshorn of Gloucester, by Rev. D. Dana 

A member of the first Religious Society in 

Gloucester, by Rev. D. Dana 2 

Young Mea's Society in Newbury port, 

by Rev Daniel Dana 19 

Female Aux. Educating Society of Salem and vicinity, 

by Mrs. Lydia Kimball, treasurer 129 40 



27 5 


28 42 


19 25 


13 66 


86 


94 24 


2 


10 


SO 


5 


8 



40 



SUBSCRIPTIONS, 



OBTAINED BY DR. PORTER IN THE SOUTHERN STATES. 





Donations. Ann, Sub. 


Nathaniel Russell, Esq. and > Charlest s>c 
Mrs. Russell, J 


80 00 




John Ball, Esq. and > , 
Mrs. Ball, his wife, S 


50 00 








Mrs. Mary Thomas, do. 




• 00 


Mrs. M. L. Beach, do. 




5 00 


Mrs. E.L. Gilchrist, do. 




5 00 


A Friend of the object, do. 


50 00 




Daniel W. Hall, do. 


40 00 




A Friend, do. 


20 00 




A Friend, do. 


10 00 




Mrs. Mary Gregorie, do. 


SO 00 




Rev. Anthony Forster, do. 




5 00 


A Friend to the object, do. 


5 00 




Capt. Timothy Edwards, do. 


5 00 




Gen. Charles C. Pinckney (as a member, ad- 






vanced pay, 4 years) 


20 00 




Timothy Ford, Esq. do. 


5 00 


- 


An Unknown Friend (in a letter) 


10 00 




M. L. Hurlburt, Esq. do. 




5 00 


Rev, Benjamin M. Palmer, D. D. do. 


5 00 




Rev. W. T. Brantle, Beaufort, S. C. 




5 00 


Rev. T. M. Stuart, do. 




5 00 


Mrs. A. Stuart, do. 




5 00 


Dr. Archibald Campbell, Sen. do. 


5 00 




Dr. James Stuart, do. 


5 00 




Colin Campbell, Esq. do. 


5 00 


- 


Robert Means, Esq. do. 


50 00 




Rev. T. B. Campbell, do. 


10 00 




Rev. John Joyce, (2 years membership) Au- 






gusta, Georgia, 




10 00 



41 

Cypi>ian Wilcox, Sparta, Georgia, 12 05 

A Friend to the institution (Hancock Co. Geo.) 100 00 
Miss Mary Raymond, Powelton, 5 00 

Collected by Mrs. Rosseter, Mount Zion, 

young ladies in the Acadenty 4 ©0 



Mrs. Bailey .2 


00 




Mrs. Harrison 1 


00 




Miss Anna Nelson 


50 




Mrs. Rosseter 5 


00 


12 50 


Isaac M. Wales, Esq. 




5 00 


Mrs. Bryan 




3 00 


A lady in Georgia 




5 00 


Mrs. Sally Griffin, Washington, Geo. 




5 00 


Hon. Tho. W. Cobb, Lexington, Geo 


. 




John Whitehead, Esq, Waynesboro' 


Geo. 


100 00 


Rev. Nathan S. S. Beman 






Mrs. Mary McKinne, Augusta 




50 00 


B. R. Montgomery, D.D. 






The Presbyterian church of Columbia, S.C. 


50 00 


Mr. Zeb. Rudulph, Columbia, S.C. 




10 00 


Mr. Hall 




50 00 


Thomas Means, Esq. 




20 00 


Dr. D. H. Means 




5 00 


Dr. E. D. Smith, prof. chem. S. C. C. 






J. Murphy, Esq 




4 00 


Dr. James Davis 




10 00 


Mr. James Douglas 




5 00 


Mary Ann Hooker 




10 00 


Mr. Samuel Green 




6 43 


Cash 




10 00 


Henry G. Smith 




10 00 


John Glover 




5 00 


John Yancey 




10 00 


Jesse Kilford 




5 00 


William Note 




5 00 


James C 




5 00 


S. Guirey 




10 00 


James L. Clark 




5 00 


John C. Brown, Esq 




10 00 


David Thomson 
6 




10 00 



5 00 

5 00 

10 00 



5 00 



4& 



A friend to the institution, 


Camden. 


, S.C. 


10 00 




Mrs. Caroline Blanding, Camden 




5 00 




Mrs. Rachel Blanding 


do 




5 00 




Rev. Mr. Sweet, Bryan Co 


. Geo. 




20 00 




Mrs. A. Powell, Liberty co 


.do 




5 00 




Mrs. J. Dunwody, 


do 






5 09 


J. Dunwody, Esq. 


do 






5 00 


Rev. C 0. Serwen, Sunbur 


7>do 






10 00 


Rev. Mr. McWhir 


do 






10 00 


S. A. Cuthbert, Esq. 








10 00 


Rev. M. Murphy, Midway 








5 00 


John Elliot, Esq. (5 years membership §25 






donation 25) 






50 00 




Deacon Stacy 






5 00 




Mrs. C. Hart, Savannah 






4 00 




A friend do 






8 00 




Rev. Benjamin M. Palmer, 


D.D. Charleston, 






S. C. life subscription 






100 00 




A female friend — donation 






100 00 




Dr. James E. B. Finley 








5 0© 


Dr. Tucker Harris 








5 00 


Miss Hannah Livinton 








5 00 


Mrs. (Samuel) Mary Jones 








5 00 


Mrs. Jane Keith 








5 oo 


Miss Elizabeth Huxham 








5 00 


Mrs. Jane Thomas 








5 00 


Mary Scott 








5 00 


Mrs. Agness Smith 








5 00 


William Greenwood 








5 00 


Congregational and Presby 


terian Female 






Association 






200 




Miss Sarah G. Barnwell, Beaufort, 


s.c. 




5 00 


Mrs. Ann Barnwell 








5 00 


Mrs. Mary Means 








5 00 


Miss Charlotte Bull 








5 00 


Miss Eliza N. Barnwell 






5 00 


5 00 


Miss Eliza T. Barnwell 








5 00 


John G. Barnwell 






00 


5 00 


John McKee 






5 00 




Mrs. Phebe Elliot 






5 00 





4S 

Rev. James Graham 5 QO 

Rev. William B. Johnson 5 Op 

Sent in a letter from Rev. Wm. McWhir, Lib- 
erty Co. Geo. 240 

JV.JB. Jl few of these subscriptions have not yet been r«- 
ceived. The others are accounted for in general sums accredit- 
ed to Dr, Porter and Dr. Palmer. 



LEGAL MEETING. 

The stated business of the annual meeting having been fin- 
ished, the committee of the Society appointed to petition the 
Legislature of this Common wealth for an Act of Incorporation, 
reported, that they had obtained such an Act.* — Whereupon 
the meeting, notified according to the provisions of the Act, was 
organized by choosing his Honor William Phillips Esq. Mod- 
erator and the Rev. Asa Eaton Clerk. 

Agreeably to provision in the second section of the Act of 
Incorporation, the following officers were chosen, viz. 

His Honor WILLIAM PHILLIPS, Esq. President, 
SAMUEL SALISBURY, Esq. Vice President, 
WILLIAM BARTLETT, Esq. ^ Additional Vice 
Hon. WILLIAM REED, Esq. J Presidents. 

Rev. ASA EATON, Clerk. 
Mr. AARON P. CLEAVELAND, Treasurer. 
Rev. ELIPHALET PEARSON, LLD.^j 
Rev. ABIEL HOLMES, D.D. 
Rev. DANIEL DANA, D.D. 
Rev. EBENEZER PORTER, D.D. > c tors. 

Rev. JOSHUA BATES, 
Rev. BROWN EMERSON, 
Rev. ASA EATON, • j 



• 



* See Appendix to Dr. Worcester's Sermon, where the J$$t 
is printed. 



44 



In order to give the Directors and the Committee of the So- 
ciety, acLied for the purpose, opportunity to amend and improve 

.oluntary constitution, before it should be adopted under the 
Act of Incorporation, the first meeting of the Society is con- 
tinued by adjournment to the Thursday following the next meet- 
ing of the General Court, at 3 o'clock, P.M. in the hall of the 
Massachusetts Bank ; when it is hoped there will be a general 
and punctual attendance of the members of the Society. 



Aif 



lillliii 

022 011 6827 






